Finding a lump in your testicles can be concerning. Testicular cysts are common and usually not cancerous. This article explores their characteristics, natural progression, and when to seek medical advice.
What Are Testicular Cysts?
Testicular cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within the scrotum. The most common type is a spermatocele, also known as an epididymal cyst. A spermatocele forms in the epididymis, a coiled tube behind each testicle that stores and transports sperm. These cysts typically contain clear or milky fluid, which may include sperm.
Spermatoceles vary in size; some are too small to feel, while others can grow larger. They are generally benign and usually do not cause pain. While their exact cause is often unclear, spermatoceles may result from a blockage in sperm-transporting tubes. Spermatoceles are among the most frequent benign scrotal masses.
Do They Resolve On Their Own?
Many wonder if testicular cysts, particularly spermatoceles, disappear without intervention. While some smaller cysts might fluctuate or resolve over time, many tend to persist once formed. Spontaneous disappearance is not a guaranteed outcome for most significant cysts.
Smaller hydroceles, fluid collections around the testicle, can resolve spontaneously. However, noticeable or symptomatic spermatoceles often remain stable or slowly grow. If detected, a cyst may not go away on its own, and monitoring its progression is often recommended.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Seeking medical evaluation for any new lump or change in the testicle is important, as not all scrotal lumps are benign. While testicular cysts are often harmless, a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the lump and rule out more serious conditions, such as testicular cancer, which can present as a painless lump.
Prompt medical attention is necessary for symptoms like sudden, severe pain, significant swelling, redness, fever, or a rapid change in the lump’s size or texture. These could indicate conditions requiring immediate treatment, such as infection or testicular torsion. A medical professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend the appropriate course of action.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing a testicular cyst typically begins with a physical examination, where a doctor will feel the scrotum and its contents. Often, a healthcare provider can distinguish a cyst from other masses through this examination. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, imaging tests such as a scrotal ultrasound are commonly used. This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create detailed images of the testicles and surrounding structures, helping to identify the nature of the lump.
Treatment for testicular cysts is generally only needed if they cause symptoms like discomfort, pain, or if they grow to a very large size. If a cyst is small and asymptomatic, observation is often the recommended approach, with regular monitoring for any changes. For cysts that are symptomatic or particularly large, surgical removal, known as spermatocelectomy, is an option. This outpatient procedure involves making a small incision in the scrotum to remove the fluid-filled sac.